taking aim

[19max99]

I would like some opinions on sighting the target. Do you close one eye or keep both open? It seems if I keep both open I still sight with my dominant right eye. Is there correct way or just personal preference?

 

[gregintenn]

I'm firmly in the both eyes open camp.

 

[venomballistics]

both eyes if you can do it.
mainly for the purpose of keeping your full field of view if and if so, while the action is going on around you.

 

[feralmerril]

Sounds like you are doing it right. Now shooting rifles I tend to squint my left eye as my right eye is my dominent eye. For newbies reading this I know its basic, but point your finger at something. Then close one eye and either your finger is still pointing on target but if your hand and finger "jump" to one side you can easily figure which eye is your dominant eye. I know its "Elementary, my dear Watson", but there probley is new shooters here.

 

[2152hq]

I think they teach shooters to keep both open. Not something that was always done.

I close my left eye w/rifle & pistol. Just a forever habit.
Shotgun, I keep both open for some reason. Maybe the moving target has something to do with it. Can't seem to make myself change that.

The problem is my non-dominant left eye takes over at times while shotgun shooting for reasons unkn to me.
Bad results of course if you don't notice it happening!
It'll be that way for a few weeks or more then go back to 'normal'.
I just make adjustments for it in the lead.

 

[Time2Hunt]

Sounds like you are doing it right. Now shooting rifles I tend to squint my left eye as my right eye is my dominent eye. For newbies reading this I know its basic, but point your finger at something. Then close one eye and either your finger is still pointing on target but if your hand and finger "jump" to one side you can easily figure which eye is your dominant eye. I know its "Elementary, my dear Watson", but there probley is new shooters here.

You think it was basic wouldn't you? I have found tho that the MAJORITY of people who have not shot or only shot pistols have no idea which eye is there dominant eye, an in addition many were not even aware they had a "dominant eye" lol.

I keep both eyes open for shotgun, pistol, and offhand/close in rifle. For longer controlled bench shooting I usually close my left eye before taking the shot. Hunting is always a little different but if I have the time I wouldn't rather shoot with left shut...especially shooting into the sun it's almost a must.

 

[tops]

There are people like me that don't have a master eye and we have to shut one eye. When using a shotgun on moving targets I just "wink" the off eye as I shoot. If you have a master eye it is much better to keep both eyes open. Larry

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

I'm left handed and close my right eye when shooting pistols and rifles. I'm working on shooting with both eyes wide open for peripheral awareness. I shoot sporting clays with both eyes open...

 

[Rule3]

I close both and pray.

 

[Jellybean]

I followed the above method of finding my dominant eye for many years and couldn't figure it out. I thought I was some kind of freak until I found a book by a fellow named Jim Gregg. For some it can be a real eye opener because it's not all that simple.

Jim Gregg's Point Shooting Gun Control Methods

 

[deadin]

There's more to keeping both eyes open than just peripheral vision. Closing one eye or even squinting sets up a certain amount of muscle strain that can affect the other eye. Total relaxation in the face is the goal. It is recommended for those that can't ignore the "double" vision that sometimes can occur use a blinder of some sort on the off eye. I've even used frosted tape on my shooting glasses.
For hunting or anything where the target is moving, use both eyes if possible. Stationary target, one eye is best, but not at the expense of closing the other.

 

[Damn Yankee]

Shoot where your looking

Don't look where your shooting

 

[19max99]

Thanks to all who replied. I think I will just have to keep one eye closed. Too much double vision to sort through with both open.